Yorkshire folk, please sign

[mikeymo]

Those of you from Yorkshire, especially the Leeds/Wakefield area, may be aware of the idiocy that is Skelton Grange bridge. A good cycling route along the side of the canal, which in fact is part of the Trans Pennine Trail, is interrupted with a set of concrete steps that you have to drag your bike up (if it's light enough).

Here's a video. Laugh, or weep, as the mood takes you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pLVQBRPFFo

I invite you to imagine what that would be like with a fully loaded touring bike. At least with a tandem there are two of you to drag the bike up the steps, as demonstrated.

However, there are moves afoot to improve the situation. Well, there have been "moves afoot" for a long time, but at the moment there is reason for cautious optimism, as Leeds Cycling Campaign put it. But a little more public pressure would help, especially from Tykes.

How can you help?

Signing the online petition - http://chng.it/dsz2wn6CXw

Responding by 11 April to the current WYCA Connectivity Infrastructure Plan consultation using free comment sections to make the point that off-road walking and cycling routes make a useful contribution to active travel in West Yorkshire
https://wh.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=161158897611

Leaving a comment on both the WYCA and Leeds interactive sustainable travel maps - https://leedscovidsuggestascheme.commonplace.is/

https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/connectivity/maps/connectivity-infrastructure-plan-your-areas-to-connect

By writing to -
(a) West Yorkshire Mayoral candidates
Tracy Brabin (Labour) tracy.brabin.mp@parliament.uk
Cllr Andrew Cooper (Greens) Andrew.cooper@Kirklees.gov.uk
Bob Buxton (Yorkshire Party) bobbuxtonyorkshireparty@gmail.com
Cllr Stewart Golton (Liberal Democrats) stewart.golton@leeds.gov.uk
Cllr Matthew Robinson (Conservative) matthew.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

(I'd recommend Stewart Golton especially, as his current council ward is in that area, and he's already sympathetic)

(b) Your local councilor if you live in South Leeds

(c) Cllr Peter Carlill lead member for Active Travel and sustainable Transport LCC Peter.carlill@leeds.gov.uk
Cllr Helen Hayden Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development Helen.hayden@leeds.gov.uk

(I think I've got all those links right, please let me know if any of them don't work).